How do I stiffen a chain?

[G2]

Hi all talented model makers and terrain makers, I want to create the following item, but I am struggling with the chain.

I want to have a flying dragon, which is chained by the neck to the ground (a gaming base). I can create the dragon and the base, but I have not figured out how to stiffen the chain holding the dragon. I don't want to use a clear plastic rod to support the dragon in any way, I want to use a stiffened chain to support the dragon, which in turn gives the illusion of the dragon pulling on it, in an attempt to escape.

I created a simple graphic to illustrate what I want to achieve.



Any assistance would be much appriciated.

[Major_Gilbear]

Well, the only thing I can think of is this:

On a firm base (some scrap wood would be great) put a couple of pins in. Dip the chain in glue and stretch it taught between the two pins until the glue is dry. Remove the chain, and stick it onto your base model. If you use superglue, stretch the chain out first, then dab thin superglue to the joins instead.

Bear in mind that this won't be *really* strong, but for careful handling and with a lightweight model, it'll be okay. Also, keep in mind that you'll have to paint the chain after glueing (as it probably won't look very finished otherwise).

[Dolmot]

I've stiffened some chains with superglue, but not as the only support of elevated pieces. It can work for moderate weights and careful handling. Small superglue joints between round, hard metal links have their limits. Epoxy is a bit stronger and possibly worth the effort. Unfortunately all glues mean a compromise between strength and visible lumps.

The hardcore options are soldering and welding. I haven't tried those. Proper tools and great care are probably required, or it'll end up ugly.

On the other hand, not all chains in the world are round-linked with big holes. You can get some double-linked, ready-cast ones from Magister Militum, for example. Many sculptors actually claim that no real chain will look quite right for typical fantasy sculpting style and casting limitations. If you take a look at any cast chain details in a miniature, you'll notice that it's stylised somehow for practical reasons. Sometimes it's better to make the chain look a little less real to make it fit.

For a final tip, try to keep the chain separate from both the base and the model. Use long rectangular pegs or something, possibly with magnets too. Otherwise that kind of acrobatic models are a transportation nightmare. You'll end up regluing the chain over and over again until it's just a single lump of glue...

[JollyBob]

I would also question whether the chain would be strong enough to support a dragon fully on its own.

Would it be possible to pose the dragon with one foot or toe still on the base as though it was launching itself into the air? The chain mightn't be as taut as you want it now, but it could lend a nice sense of movement to the piece and be sturdier overall. 

[Hammers]

Glue won't do it, it least not any of the kinds of glue I know of. Soldering may work but it requires a bit of experience.

[mondria]

soldering pretty much the only thing, did it by accident a couple of times wen I was working as a goldsmith, you do need to solder with a flame heating up the chain then ad small pieces of solder, the capillary funtion will suck the solder in the gaps of the chain 

[snitcythedog]

Another option might be to use a steel rod hidden in a mass of chains that are attached to the dragon.  If the distance is not too long you could obscure part of the rod in basing material, and part in the chains.  My 2 cents.
Snitchy sends.

[Heldrak]

Stiffening an actual chain seems impractical for the purpose. If you want to use the actual chain, I think you will need to run up a tree or some such to help support the dragon's weight.

If you want/need to use the chain alone, then it seems to me that you would need to use a very heavy/stiff wire as the support (a brass rod, a coat hanger wire, etc.) and then actually sculpt chain links around the wire to conceal it. There are tutorials on how to sculpt chain link out there, so it may not be too difficult.

[Hammers]

Also, you could feed it Viagra. I hear it is supposed to make things rigid.

[Dewbakuk]

Also, you could feed it Viagra. I hear it is supposed to make things rigid.

It's good for tomato plants.

[G2]

Thanks everyone. Some really good ideas. I think I am going to try the solder option first (I am not looking forward to it), and if this fails, I will try the metal rod inside/next to the chain. Then I will look at another sort of support like a tree or ruined bulding....and then failing ALL that, I will rub it with Viagra (gotta find some first).

Thanks everyone, the advice has been really helpful.

[Gun bunny]

you could also try using a plastic fusing glue on a plastic chain(some plumbing supplies carry them)

[dijit]

Instead of chain what about rope? Rope can be made by twisting together 3 or more strands of wire, thats going to be much stronger and will still look good.

[Major_Gilbear]

you could also try using a plastic fusing glue on a plastic chain(some plumbing supplies carry them)

Oooh, I think we have a winner?!

I never thought of using plastic chain and a solvent-weld, but it is the best/easiest solution I've seen in this thread that still actually manages to achieve what the OP wanted. Good suggestion.

See, that's why I love this forum - even when you have an answer, there is always another (and often better) suggestion posted! 

[Thargor]

Unless you want the dragon to appear to be straining aginst the chain, you don't want it to be straight either, it would need to be curved.